Steak & Vietnamese noodle salad

Steak & Vietnamese noodle salad

This vibrant Steak & Vietnamese noodle salad masterfully combines tender, seared fillet steak with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. It's a refreshing and nourishing dish that's perfect for warm weather meals or light dinners.

Beef

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

10 min

Servings

2

Originating from the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, this noodle salad brings together simple yet bold flavors that celebrate fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning. The dish is characterized by its harmonious blend of textures — soft noodles, crisp vegetables, and juicy steak — elevated by a bright lime and fish sauce dressing, a hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe is not only quick and straightforward but also versatile, making it ideal for weeknight meals or casual entertaining. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes means it pairs beautifully with light, fragrant sides such as fresh spring rolls or a chilled jasmine tea. Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a cold beer or a crisp white wine, this salad offers an exciting fusion of flavors that's both satisfying and refreshing, perfect for adventurous food lovers looking to explore Southeast Asian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

  • 85 g Brown Rice Noodle
  • 1 tsp Rapeseed Oil
  • 250 g Fillet Of Steak
  • 2 Carrots
  • 0.5 Chinese Cabbage
  • 4 finely sliced Spring Onions
  • Handful Coriander
  • 1 sliced Red Chilli
  • Juice of 1 Lime
  • 2 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 chopped Garlic Clove
  • 0.5 tb Fish Sauce

Instructions

Begin by preparing the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, finely chopped garlic, and sliced red chilli with about one tablespoon of water. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves, ensuring a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet marinade. Next, cook the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and immediately plunge them into a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process and keep them pleasantly firm. Drain well and transfer into a large mixing bowl. Add thinly julienned carrots, finely shredded Chinese cabbage, and the delicate slices of spring onion. Pour over the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly, allowing every strand and vegetable piece to soak up the vibrant flavors. Heat the rapeseed oil in a frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Season the fillet steak well with salt and freshly ground pepper. Sear the steak in the hot pan for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, aiming for a medium-rare finish that locks in the juices. Remove from heat and let the steak rest on a plate for 5 minutes; this resting period lets the juices redistribute and ensures tender, flavorful meat. Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. To serve, divide the tossed noodle salad between two bowls, arrange the steak slices neatly atop, and garnish generously with fresh coriander leaves for an herby punch. For an extra hint of freshness, you might add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle additional sliced red chillies according to taste.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2